The state’s “Cold Weather Rule,” a protection against utility companies shutting off service during winter months, ends Thursday.

Kansas residents who are behind on their electric or gas bills could be subject to disconnection from their service after Thursday, which is the end of the five-month span the cold weather rule is in effect. Under the rule, utility companies can’t disconnect service when the temperature is expected to drop below 35 degrees.

The rule, which was adopted by the Kansas Corporation Commission and includes other caveats, requires utility companies to set up payment plans for customers who couldn’t pay their full bill. Over the next year, residents can arrange to pay their overdue amount in monthly installments, in addition to their regular monthly bills.